I watched an NHK documentary today that somehow I managed to miss five years ago. It was rebroadcast on the anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the event which created the tsunami that wiped out towns and villages in 2011. Thousands died and many are still missing, presumed dead.

"The Phone of the Wind" follows the story of some of the relatives of those who died as they visit a phone booth set on private land in the town of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture. Created by a kindly gentleman who was dealing with his own issues of grief, the simple white telephone booth with the black phone that has no material connection to the outside world, allows people to speak with their loved ones, often for the first time.

Lest you think this sounds crazy, pause to consider the deep shock that would have resulted from world's suddenly turned upside and people never seen again. Without warning. The phone gives people a chance to open up about their feelings, come to better terms with what has occurred, perhaps to say goodbye.

It's a beautiful documentary, precious, and a tearjerker to boot. An antidote to cynicism and aimlessness. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

(photo: Alessia Cerantola)